Kohima, February 9 (MTNews): While speaking to the media today in Khonoma, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio supported Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton’s remark that the NDPP-BJP ally will win at least 45 seats, if not more.
“I support his (Y Patton) statement. We are hopeful that we will get an absolute majority although I am not in a position to tell the numbers,” Rio said.
On the same day, NEDA convener Himanta Biswa Sarma met with Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, and state BJP president Temjen Imna Along at the Niathu resort in Chumoukedima for a crucial poll strategy meeting.
Rio told the press that the poll strategy was discussed at the meeting.
“The campaign is underway, so we must devise strategies, and we will hold a joint meeting,” said Chief Minister Rio.
Despite the pre-poll alliance, Neiphiu Rio has stated unequivocally that there would be no friendly battle between the NDPP and the BJP.
Meanwhile, the saffron party has decided to take a chance by fielding six new candidates in the assembly election for the first time.
Bashangmongba from Tuensang Sadar 1, Kahuli Sema from Atoizu, Konngam Konyak from Phomching, Pangjung Jamir from Tuli, Renbonthung from Wokha, and Sethrongkyu Sangtam from Longkhim Chare are among the newcomers.
Aside from candidates running for the first time, some candidates who recently switched to the BJP such as Imkong L Imchen are also running on the BJP ticket.